Justification:
Listed as Endangered, in view of its extent of occurrence of less than 5,000 km2 and area of occupancy of less than 500 km2, its distribution is severely fragmented, and a continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat.

This species is endemic to a portion of montane north-western Sabah (northern Borneo). A large subpopulation exists at one corner of Kinabalu National Park between 1,600 and 2,000m asl. A small population has also been found on Mount Trus Madi at 1,300m asl. Attempts to locate the species on Gunung Mulu in Sarawak have not been successful. It has not been found at other montane sites south of Trus Madi.

Adults disperse widely over the floor of montane and submontane forests. It breeds in small, clear, rocky-bottomed streams and larvae live in torrents, clinging to rocks and feeding on lithophytes. It appears to be unable to adapt to modified habitats.

As Trus Madi is being actively logged, it is likely that the population there will be diminished, if not driven to extinction. Destruction of the forest at Trus Madi will probably lead to the siltation of streams in which the larvae develop. If the species occurs at other montane sites, these are likely to remain as insular isolates because of the extensive deforestation taking place at lower elevations.

The species occurs in Kinabalu National Park, which is well protected. However, the area where this species is particularly abundant is increasingly subject to the impact of tourist activities. There is a particular need to expand the existing protected area network (especially above 1,200m asl) south of Kinabalu National Park.